Meghan Markle has already started intensive 'duchess lessons'

In Meghan Markle’s own words, she is entering a “new chapter” of her life.

The 36-year-old is leaving acting to be a full-time royal and will marry Prince Harry in May next year. A new chapter indeed.

So naturally, for many of us this brings to mind images of Mia Thermopolis in the Princess Diaries, being put through rigorous training on how to sit, stand, wave and talk like a princess, "Princesses never cross their legs in public," and the like.

Well, according to reports, Meghan really has begun intensive training in preparation for her new role as a duchess. But, unlike Mia, is said to be getting more advice and mention on things, such as state matters and foreign affairs, rather than lessons about etiquette.

A source reportedly told E! News Meghan and her inner circle were briefed “very early on” about dealing with the unexpected media and press intrusion.

Following their engagement announcement on Monday, the couple told BBC they had been “totally unprepared” for the media frenzy that occurred after their relationship was revealed last year.

“There’s a misconception that because I have worked in the entertainment industry that this would be something I would be familiar with,” Meghan said. “But even though I had been on my show for I guess six years at that point, and working before that, I’ve never been part of tabloid culture.”

A source reportedly told US Weekly, she had found the advice from Harry’s communication team “invaluable”.

“Meghan has had access to Harry’s most trusted aides since their relationship went public, so whether it’s advice on a business decision or handling a media issue, she’s been able to get advice whenever needed,” the source told the publication.

“As they get closer to marriage, Meghan will receive more general advice from those close to Harry, whether it’s for public speaking or what to do at a state banquet. Everything she may be unsure about will be answered.”

Meghan will reportedly continue to work with Harry’s closest aides in the coming months with the possibility of being given her own advisor to serve as a “mentor".

As well as dealing with the newfound press attention, she is reportedly also being taught safety precautions.

Express reports Meghan has been undergoing specialist terrorism training from the Special Air Service, to better protect herself in dangerous situations.

“Meghan will be put through a number of training scenarios in which she will be a hostage who needs to be rescued," a source told the website.

“She will be tied to a chair and members of the SAS with sub-machine guns and live ammo will fight their way into the building and rescue her. The training will be very realistic, pretty tough and can be very scary. Meghan will be told what to do and then given a chance to put what she has been taught into practice.”

However, it is unlikely Meghan would need to undergo training for her behaviour per se. Flinders University Associate Professor Giselle Bastin told the ABC it’s “largely a myth” that royal brides to be are tutored at great length on how to be a princess.

"It's something you pick up on the job, being royal, and I get the sense of watching her... that Meghan's going to pick everything up pretty quickly,” Bastin said.

"The protocols and etiquette she will be taught about will be to do with the rules of precedence, who she has to curtsy to, and perhaps some more tips for perhaps how she will dress for some occasions.”

However, Bastin said there was still plenty Meghan will be expected to pick up on, such as being more candid, learning to lead the conversation when out in public and giving away even less about her life.

"She'll learn probably that when it comes to meeting the public that she'll be the one who asks question, she doesn't answer questions so much, the royals always lead conversations.

"Everything they utter in public gets seized upon," she said.

"So they've become much better at saying as little as possible in public because they know it will be seized upon and perhaps blown out of proportion."